Sand Calculator
A sand calculator returns the cubic yards and tons of sand a project needs. It multiplies the area by the fill depth, adds a waste and settling allowance, converts the volume to cubic yards, then multiplies by the density in tons per cubic yard. The density input can be set for dry or wet sand.
Last reviewed September 2026Method & sourcesReport an error
Sand Calculator
Showing numbers from a shared link.
Sand Needed (with waste)
2.04 cu yd
Includes a 10% waste allowance.
Shopping list
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Sand2.75 tonsAbout 2.04 cu yd.Either
| Sand Needed (with waste) | 2.04 cu yd |
|---|---|
| Sand Needed | 2.75 tons |
| Estimated Cost |
How to Calculate Sand
Volume is Area × Depth, with depth converted from inches to feet, plus a waste allowance for settling and spillage. The result converts to cubic yards, then to tons using a density figure. Dry sand commonly runs around 1.3 tons per cubic yard, while wet or damp sand can weigh noticeably more, since water fills the gaps between grains. This calculator defaults to 1.35 as a middle-ground planning figure with an adjustable range covering both drier and damper sand.
Example: 10 ft × 10 ft sandbox, 6 in. depth, default 1.35 tons/cu yd, 10% waste
A 10 ft × 10 ft sandbox, 6 in. depth, default 1.35 tons/cu yd, 10% waste: 1. Area: 10 × 10 = 100 sq ft 2. Depth in feet: 6 ÷ 12 = 0.5 ft 3. Raw volume: 100 × 0.5 = 50 cubic feet 4. With 10% waste: 50 × 1.10 = 55 cubic feet 5. Cubic yards: 55 ÷ 27 ≈ 2.04 cubic yards 6. Tons: 2.04 × 1.35 ≈ 2.75 tons. Wetter sand at 1.5 tons/cu yd on the same sandbox would weigh about 3.06 tons instead. It is worth knowing if you're checking a delivery vehicle's weight capacity.
Sand: Compare Scenarios
| Scenario | Sand Needed (with waste) | Sand Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Small (6×6 ft sandbox, 6 in.) | 0.73 cu yd | 0.99 tons |
| Medium (10×10 ft sandbox, 6 in.) | 2.04 cu yd | 2.75 tons |
| Large (20×15 ft paver bedding layer, 1 in.) | 1.02 cu yd | 1.38 tons |
What Is Sand?
A sand calculator converts an area and fill depth into the cubic yards or tons of sand needed. For a sandbox, a play area, a volleyball court, or a bedding layer under pavers or a pool. Density is kept adjustable since sand's moisture content meaningfully changes its weight, which matters for both ordering and delivery logistics.
Sand: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Adjustable density accounts for the real difference between dry and damp/wet sand weight
- Works for both a shallow bedding layer (paver base, under a pool) and a deep fill (sandbox, play area) using the same inputs
- Gives both cubic yards and tons, matching how sand is typically visualized and actually billed by suppliers
Cons
- Doesn't distinguish sand types (play sand, mason sand, all-purpose sand). These have different grain sizes and uses, though the volume/weight math applies to any of them
- Assumes a simple rectangular area. An irregular shape needs its area estimated separately
- The default 1.35 tons/cu yd density is a general planning figure. Confirm with your supplier for a large or delivery-weight-sensitive order
Sand: What a Pro Checks
- Check the density input if you're ordering during or after rain. Wet sand can weigh noticeably more per cubic yard than dry sand, which matters if you're checking a delivery vehicle's weight rating.
- Most sandboxes only need 4-6 in. of depth for comfortable play. A much deeper fill is rarely necessary and adds cost with no real benefit.
- Use a much shallower depth, about 1 in., if you're estimating a paver bedding layer rather than a sandbox fill. The same area x depth math applies, just at a very different depth.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much sand do I need for a sandbox?
Multiply the sandbox's length, width, and depth (all in feet) to get cubic feet, add a waste allowance, then convert to cubic yards or tons. A 10 ft × 10 ft sandbox filled 6 in. deep needs a little over 2 cubic yards (about 2.75 tons) with the defaults here. Most sandboxes only need 4-6 in. of depth for comfortable play.
How much does a cubic yard of sand weigh?
Roughly 1.3 tons when dry, though wet or damp sand can weigh noticeably more since water fills the gaps between grains. This calculator's density input covers that range (1.2 to 1.6 tons/cu yd) rather than assuming one fixed figure.
What's the difference between play sand and mason sand?
Play sand is washed and screened for safety and softness, intended for sandboxes and play areas. Mason sand (or all-purpose/paver sand) has coarser, more angular grains suited to bedding layers under pavers or in mortar mixes. This calculator's volume and weight math works for either. The choice depends on your application.
How deep should sand be for a paver bedding layer?
Typically about 1 in. of compacted bedding sand under pavers, on top of a compacted gravel base. It is much shallower than a sandbox fill. See the Paver Base and Paver Calculator for a full paver project's material breakdown, including the base gravel this sand layer sits on.
Should I order sand by weight or by volume?
Most suppliers price and deliver by the ton, though cubic yards are the more intuitive unit for picturing how much area or depth you're filling. This calculator gives both, so you can order in whichever unit your supplier quotes.
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